A/HRC/27/16 Consequently, a mediation process had been established, but its application was narrowly limited to the safeguard and protection of victims and it did not automatically replace any judicial process. Mediation was applicable only in cases of less serious offences, and it was not obligatory. There were other limitations in the application of mediation, such as the need for the victim’s consent. The perpetrator could only have access to that procedure once in his life, and must not have any criminal record for offences defined in Law No. 779. 108. The Government had also launched a Comprehensive Women Support Model, the result of which had been the establishment of a police station for women and children in each of the 153 existing municipalities. 109. Concerning human rights defenders and journalists, the delegation observed that the right to freedom of expression and association was guaranteed, as evidenced by the presence of 6,014 non-governmental organizations in the country and the 12 per cent increase in trade unions and 196 per cent increase in cooperatives, compared to 2009. Similarly, there was neither media censorship nor any persecution of human rights defenders, journalists or the media. In 2013 and so far in 2014, the national police had received only seven complaints of acts committed against journalists, six of which had been sent to the competent judicial authority. 110. The delegation reiterated the State’s willingness not to leave unpunished any act against the rights of the person, especially against the right to freedom of expression, as well as against human rights defenders. The delegation invited those affected to use the mechanisms established in domestic law so that such acts did not go unpunished. 111. In relation to some concerns about the electoral process, the delegation underlined that Nicaragua guaranteed the full exercise of democracy and the Nicaraguan people had a long tradition of participating in electoral processes. In the latest presidential election, the current President had won with 62.46 per cent of the vote, which highlighted the people’s confidence in their elections. In May 2014, elections had been held for regional councils in the autonomous regions, in which political organizations with 768 candidates representing different ethnic groups (Creoles, Garifuna, Mestizos, Miskitos, Rama and Sumo) had participated; both men and women under the principle of fairness and proportionality established by the electoral law. 112. Regarding the independence of State powers, in April 2014 the National Assembly had elected with a large majority the public officials of the three powers of the State, who had previously been proposed by the integrated political forces in the National Assembly. 113. The head of the delegation expressed her deep gratitude for the recommendations and comments made by all States, which would be carefully considered by Nicaragua. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations∗∗ 114. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below have been examined by Nicaragua and enjoy the support of Nicaragua: 114.1. Consider the ratification of human rights instruments to which it is not yet a party (Bolivia (Plurinational State of)); 114.2. ** 12 Criminalize the sale of children (Mexico); Conclusions and recommendations will not be edited.